Rojas to be inducted into Latino Hall of Fame

Five-time All-Star, former coach and manager now Spanish-language TV brodcaster

By
Joe Frisaro

MIAMI -- Cookie Rojas, a five-time All-Star and a highly respected player in his era, is being recognized as a Hall of Famer.

Octavio Victor "Cookie" Rojas, 73, on Saturday will be inducted into the Latino Baseball Hall of Fame at Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic. A Spanish-language TV broadcaster for the Miami Marlins, Rojas will be the Hall of Fame's representative from Cuba.

MIAMI -- Cookie Rojas, a five-time All-Star and a highly respected player in his era, is being recognized as a Hall of Famer.

Octavio Victor "Cookie" Rojas, 73, on Saturday will be inducted into the Latino Baseball Hall of Fame at Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic. A Spanish-language TV broadcaster for the Miami Marlins, Rojas will be the Hall of Fame's representative from Cuba.

As part of the ceremonies, the Marlins will be recognized as the "Team of the Americas."

Jeff Idelson, president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., will be attending the event.

The versatile Rojas broke in as a second baseman with the Reds in 1962, and his playing career ended in 1977. Primarily an infielder, Rojas played for the Royals, Phillies, Reds and Cardinals. During his career, he saw action at every position, even throwing a scoreless inning as a pitcher. He also was used as a designated hitter.

Rojas was an All-Star in 1965, '71, '72, '73 and '74. In 16 seasons, he batted .263 with 54 home runs and 593 RBIs.

Upon retiring as a player, Rojas coached and managed in the big leagues. He has been a Marlins Spanish-language TV analyst since 2003.